Ethical and compassionate care

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a social worker, physician, nurse, psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health providers. At the bottom of this page, you will find links to resources that provide more information about Psychotherapy.

What do Psychotherapists do?

During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Psychotherapy helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.

Are you a Psychotherapist?

No, I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Due to recent changes in Ontario legislation Social Workers, along with Doctors, Nurses, Psychologists, Psychological Associates, Occupational Therapists, are no longer able to refer to themselves as Psychotherapists. The result is that regulated health professionals, with many years experience, can no longer use this title although a newly qualified member of the Ontario College of Registered Psychotherapists can use the title. An odd situation that may get rectified in time.

If you’re not a Psychotherapist can you provide psychotherapy?

Social Workers are allowed to provide Psychotherapy. However, it is important to remember that psychotherapy is only one potential form of therapy. As a Social Worker I have received training in and regularly use a wide range of therapies. This includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy.

Will Psychotherapy help me?

Psychotherapy, in all its many forms, can help many people. The fact is that it does not help or work for everyone. Other therapies, alone or in combination with psychotherapy, may offer the best solution. As a Registered Social Worker, I work with you to identify issues, create a plan and aim to use the most appropriate treatment for you and your needs.

As an alternative to travelling into Kingston or Belleville my Bath (Sandhurst Shores) office provides easy access for people seeking individual or couples counselling and who live in Greater Napanee, Picton, Amherstview, Lennox & Addington or Prince Edward County.

Just in time for April Fools’ Day, a letter arrived at my home from my automobile insurer. My insurer was “writing to inform you of upcoming changes to your automobile insurance”. Enclosed with the letter was an “introduction to these changes, provided by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.” The letter advised “your coverages remain unchanged until your next renewal”.

The enclosed “introduction” was entitled “Changes to Ontario Auto Insurance Give You More Choice”.

Province Focuses on Prevention, Reducing Stigma

“Ontario is putting in place a number of new initiatives to help prevent or mitigate the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders.

Evidence shows that first responders such as police personnel, firefighters and paramedics are at least twice as likely as the general population to suffer from PTSD, due to the risk of routine exposure to traumatic stressors.”

Judith has recently completed her training to become an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist and is now a member of EMDR Canada an affiliate of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

EMDR therapy is frequently used to provide help for individuals suffering from PTSD but it has also been shown to provide benefits for people experiencing other conditions and disorders including panic attacks, grief, stress and abuse.

Judith says “EMDR is considered best practice in many situations and has been shown to be effective for many people” She is excited to be able to provide this additional therapy choice alongside her other skills that include psychotherapy, trauma and grief counseling, clinical hypnotherapy and life skills counseling.

EMDR based therapy is available at both her main location and in her Kingston office. She can be contacted by phone or email to arrange therapy sessions.

We all know it’s never going to happen to us but just in case make sure your motor vehicle insurance provides sufficient coverage for supplementary medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, non-earner and income replacement benefits.

Not sure if you have enough coverage? Talk to an insurance broker or the CAA. Ask friends for recommendations. If you are a member of a union, professional organisation or CARP they may have a group scheme.

Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance and Healthcare Benefits

“Accident victim wins challenge to Ontario’s $3,500 minor injury cap”

This is the headline from a recent Toronto Star article in the Personal Finance pages. I’m not an expert in vehicle insurance but I do know the cost of treating even minor injuries can be substantial. Take the time to review your coverage with an insurance specialist.

Unfortunately the service of a private practice Social Worker is not covered by OHIP ( although it may be covered by your benefit plan). However, fees paid to Social Workers in most Provinces (including Ontario) are now eligible for tax relief. You can find out more on the Canada Revenue Agency website where they list authorised medical practitioners.

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Judith Cox MSW RSW

I am dedicated to providing an ethical, compassionate, social work practice that is centred on the belief that each and every individual can succeed and flourish when they are provided with the support they need to move forward.